Combination washing machine and dust collector



Oct. 4, i932., P. E. BARKER T COMBINATION WASHIG MCHTLNEAND DUST COLLECTOR Filed Jan. 6. 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 1- Oct. 4, 1932. I l P. E. BARKER LS COMBINATION WASHING MACHINE AND DUST COLLECTOR Filed Jan. 6, 1930 3 Shee'zs-Sl'xeeiv 2 OC- 4, 1932- P. E BARKER L88965 l COMBINATION WASHING MACHINE AND DUST COLLECTOR Filed Jan. e, 1930 s sneemwxeet 45 l v Trae/VFY Patentedv Oct. 4, 1932 ymarten 'STATESy 'PATENT OFFICE -ZEERCY E. BARKER, OF SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE CINDERELLA WASH- ING MACHINE COMPANY, F CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION 0F OHIO COMBINATION WASHING MACHINE AND DUST COLLECTOR Application led January 6, 1930. Serial No. 418,833.

The principle of the invention being herein explained, and the best mode in which I have contemplated applying that principle, so as to distinguish it from other inventions.

My invention particularly relates to washing machines of the type shown, described and claimed in U. S. Letters Patent No. 1,781,517, issued upon my invention in washing machines.- In the instant invention I have so reorganized a washingmachine of this gen' eral type as to render the same adapted to serve both as a washing machine and as a dust collector. This reorganization is of a very simple-` character and the necessary changes in the machine add very little to the cost in order to render it adaptable to both purposes, the machine also being changed over from one use to the other very quickly' and conveniently.

'The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain means embodying my invention, such means constituting, however, but one of the various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be illustrated.

In said annexed drawings v Figure 1 is a central vertical sectional view of my improved combination washing machine and dust collector as adapted for use as a washing machine; K

Figure 2 is a fragmentary horizontal section, taken in the plane indicated by the line 2 2, Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 in 'which the machine is set up -for service as a dust collector;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan section, taken in the planes indicated by the line 1 -4, Figure 1; and

Figure 5 is an elevation, upon a small scale, of the machine in use as a dust collector.

Referring to the annexed drawings in which the 'same parts are indicated by the same respective numbers inthe several views, I provide spaced outer and inner receptacles 1 and 2. respectively, which are separated at the sides by the chamber onpassa-ge 8 and at the bottom by the space 5, the main por- `tion of the inner receptacle being open at the bottom and closed at the top except for a central opening 18 formed in the casing member 17, the inner receptacle as a whole including at its top a cover member 6 which is'mounted upon the casing member 17, as hereinafter fully described. This cover 6 may conveniently be considered as part of the inner receptacle 2. The cover member 6 is formed with a peripheral rim 7 having an annular series of spaced beads 8 upon its bottom surface which are adapted to seat upon the rim or peripheral bead 9 formed upon the outer casing 1, whereby the cover member v6 and connected elements are supported upon'the receptacle l but in such spaced relation as to provide a series of openings 10 to the atmosphere between the beads'8, which openings 10 communicate with the space 3 within the outer receptacle 1 and surrounding the inner receptacle 2.

Centrally` mounted upon the top of the cover. member 6 is a motor 11 having a downwardly-extended shaft 12 yto the outer end of which is secured a fan body 13 having a series of blades 14. This fan 13 is contained within an upper chamber 27 separated from a washing chamber 28 by the casing member 17 which forms a diaphragm between the suction casing or fan chamber 27 and washing chamber 28 except for the central diaphragm opening 18 which is opposite the inlet side of the fan 13 or suction producing means.' This washing or cleaning chamber is formed by the main or cleaning chamber portion of receptacle 2 in combination with receptacle 1. Bolts and 'spacing members 16 serve to secure together the cover member 6 and the main casing` member or cleaning chamber portion of the inner receptacle 2. Communication between tbe washing chamber 28 and the fan chamber 27 is not direct through the edge of the receptacle 2 and passing upwardly through the water to cause a surging and regurgitation of the latter and hence the Washing of the clot-hes. The withdrawal of the air from the top of the chamber 28 soon results in such a rise in the water level in said chamber and a consequent fall of water in the space 3 that the air seal is broken at the bottom of the receptacle 2 and air enters the chamber 28, as has been described, and as shown in Figure 1. The best operating conditions are obtained when substantially a definite amount of water is used and such a level is indicated by any suitable means, such as the bead 26 formed in the receptacle 1. Assuming that water is present to the depth l of about seven inches, when the pressure within the washing chamber 28 becomes approximately one quarter of a pound lower than atmospheric pressure, the water will have been lowered in the space 3 to approx# imately the extent necessary to break the water seal. A substantial amount of air is drawn in suddenly in that way, which crowds or forces the body of Watertoward the center with agitating effect, since the air works upwardly in a ring-like area adjacent the outer wall of the receptacle 2. The inrush of air.

places an additional load on the constantly revolving fan 13 and decreases its speed, so

that the pressure inside and outside of the chamber 28 is momentarily equalized, which permits the water to drop instantly in the chamber 28 and rise rapidly in the outer space or chamber 3. The rapid changes in pressure by the sudden breaking of the-water seal causes agitation and regurgitation of the water to such an extent that the goods are thoroughly washed in a comparatively short time. When 'the washing is completed, the water can be dumped out of the receptacle 1 by lifting the latter and turning it up to discharge the water over the top. It will be hereinafter more fully mentioned that this washing machine finds its particular field for comparatively small washings, or in other words is a midweek or utility machine, so that the lifting of the receptacle 1 to discharge the water is practicable.

lVhen it is desired to utilize this machine as a dust collector, in the manner of the usual vacuum sweeper, a slight reorganization is necessary which will now be described. To this end a pipe section 23 is utilized, this section communicating with the chamber 28 at the inner end and with the atmosphere at the outer end and beingpassed through the diaphragm 17 and the cover member 6 and being positioned in the machine at all times, but closed at the outer end by any suitable device, such as a plug 24, when the machine is used for washing purposes. During the dust collecting operation, this pipe section 23 is utilized as part of an air and dust passage from without to within the machine and thus constitutes a conduit means or inlet to the cleaning chamber 28. For this purpose it is adapted to, receive a fitting 32 used in standard practice for securing a dust bag 31 to a pipe connection, and a fitting 34 utilized for securing a flexible tubing or air hose 35 to a pipe section. These fittings are secured to the pipe section 23 in any suitable manner such as bayonet locks 42 and 43, respectively. The flexible tubing 35. of any desired length is secured at the other end to a 4handle member 36 upon a suitable dust-collecting fixture 37. The entire operating mechanism thus far described, with the eX- ception of the receptacle 1, is thus combined in a single unit, and preferably it is of a size andl weight such as to make it readily portable, and to that end is provided with handles 25 secured to the cover member 6, as plainly shown in Figure 5. Before the device is used as a dust-collector, thisentire portable unit is lifted out of the receptacle 1 and any suitable gasket means, such as an annular tubular rubber ring 33, for shutting off the communication between the space 3 and the chamber 28, is dropped into the receptacle 1, as plainly shown in Figure 3. The-operating unit is then set down upon this gasket 33. The latter, in combination with the bottom of the receptacle 1, serves in effect as a tight bottom cover or closing means for the receptacle 2 during the dust-collecting operation. It will be seen that this gasket 33 cooperates with the sides of receptacles 1 and 2, as well as with the bottoms thereof, to form a means closing the space or passage 3 and to provide an air tight seal between receptacles 1 and 2, and that this seal is maintained sufficiently for the desired purpose by the weight of this portable unit.

Upon operating the motor 11, air is exhausted from the washing and dust-bag chamber 28 and hence is replaced by air withdrawn through the fabric of the dust filtering bag 31 which in turn exhausts the air from the tubing 35 and results in pulling in air and dust through the cleaning fixture 37. As is well known, the standard dust filtering b`ags are substantially dust proof but not air proof so that the collected dust is retained in the bag 31 and the air passes therethrough into the fan or air withdrawing means 13and out through the outlet formed by the tortuous channel from the fan to lthe'space 3 and the space between the bead 9 and the rim 7 The space provided by the passages 10 has been increased, during the reorganization of the machine into a dust collector, by the seating of the bottom of the receptacle 2 upon the gasket 33 and hence there is no restriction to the free passage of the air from the fan blades 14 to atmosphere. Furthermore, this opening to atmosphere, which is designated by the number 40 in Figure 3, iS increased during the cleaning opercover member is formed with a downwardlyation, over and above what is necessary during the washing operationby the particular construction of the cover member 6. This extended flange 21 which is an extension of the peripheral rim 7, this flange having a series'of spaced outwardly-extended ribs 22 which are disposed closely adjacent to the outer receptacle 1, but not in contact therewith, as plainly shown in Figure 2, whereby the air from the fan blades 14, during the dust-collecting operation can pass freely upwardly between the fiange 21 andthe receptacle 1 and out through the opening 40 despite the nearness ofthe ribs 22 to the said receptacle 1. These ribs 22 serve as pilots to insert the receptacle 2 in the receptacle 1 and serve to align the receptacle 2 during the dust-collecting operation, there being no positive lateral retention of the receptacle 2 at the top, during the dust-collecting operation, as there is duringthe Washing operation, when the irregular or shouldered portion connecting the flange 21 to the rim 7 engages the bead 9 to retain thereceptacle 2 against lateral movement. Furthermore,

during the washing operation there is not vmuch occasion for the escape of any great amount of air through the passages 10, the latter acting merely as safety vents and the only noticeable eifect therethrough being a slight pulsating action, the heated vapor being recirculated through the machine and the heat thus conserved.

When the machine is used as a washing maor lower end of inner receptacle 2 and outer' receptacle 1.

c It is apparent that the suction fan and the passages leading out from the cleaning chamber to the open 'lower end of th inner receptacle constitute means providing Huid circulation through the cleaning chamber, whereby the heated air and vapor are circulated and recirculated through the cleaning 1 chamber. When the machine is converted into a vdust collector, the ring 33 is used as a means for interrupting this fluid circulation by closing the passage 3 and for increasing the outlet opening 40 to the atmosphere, the opened conduit 23 provides an air and dust inlet into the cleaning chamber, and the bag 28 in the cleaning chamber acts as a dust filtering means.

When using the device' as a dust collector,

[it is often desirable to pull the machine around the iioor and in order that this may be done by means of the tubing 35, without dumping over the machine, I form'the receptacle 1 with a bracket or hook 39 over which may be fastened a strap38 passed around one end of a loop portion 44 formed in the tubing 35. To assist in the passage of the air through the fan 13 and the discharge thereof from the fan chamber 27, I preferably pro 1. A combination Washing machine and dust" ycollector comprising outer and inner spaced receptacles, the outer receptacle'being open to the atmosphere adjacent the top thereof when the machine is used for washing, fluid communication being provided between the space between said receptacles and a chamber in the interior of said inner re` ceptacle adjacent the bottom ofthe latter when the machine is used for washing,remov able means for shutting off said communication when the machine is used as a dust collector, means for withdrawing air from a portion .of said chamber, means forming an air outlet to the atmosphere from the air withdrawing means, means forming an air conduit from the exterior of said inner receptacle to the interior thereof and adapted for attachment to a dust filtering bag and an air hose, respectively, at its inner and outer ends, and means for releasably closing said conduit.

2. A combination washing machine and dust collector, as in claim 1, characterized in that the two receptacles vare separate and independent and in that all the mechanism, except the outer receptacle and the removable shut-off means, is combined in a portable unitary member.

3. A combination washing machine and dust collector, as in claim 1, characterized in that the air-withdrawing means is located adjacent the top of the inner receptacle and carried bythe latter.

4. A combination washing machine and .dust collector, as in claim 1, characterized in that the air-withdrawing means comprise a ,motor mounted upon the inner receptacle, a

motor shaft extended intov thel inner receptacle, a suction fan secured to said shaft, and a diaphragm in said inner receptacle having an opening opposite the inlet side of said fan.

5. A combination washing -machine and dust collector comprising outer and inner spaced receptacles, the outer receptacle being open to the atmosphere adjacent the top there- 0f when the machineis used for washing, Huid communication being provided F'between the space between said receptacles and a chamber in the interior of said innerreceptacle adjacent the bottom of the latter when lthe machine is used for washing, removable means for increasingrthe size of the opening to the atmosphere and for shutting oif said communication when the machine is used as a dust collector, means for withdrawing air from a portion of said chamber, means forming an air outlet to the atmosphere from the air withdrawing mean means forming an air conduit from the eA terior of said V.inner receptacle to the interior thereof and adapted for attachment to a dust iiltering bag and an air hose, respectively, at its inner and outer ends, and means for 'releasably closing said conduit. f f

6. A combination washing machine and dust collector comprising outer and inner receptacles spaced at the bottom and sides, the inner receptacle having a cover with a peripheral rim adapted to seat upon the rim of the outer receptacle when the machine is used for washing, means providing an opening to the atmosphere between the cover rim and the rim of the outer receptacle when the machine is used for washing, removable means for closing the space between said receptacles at the bottom when the .machine is used as a dust collector, a diaphragm in said inner receptacle subdividing the interior thereof into va washing and dust-bag chamber portion and a fan chamber, a. suction an in said fan chamber and means for operating said fan, said diaphragm being formed with a hole opposite said fan, said fan discharging toward. said opening to the atmosphere, means forming an air conduit from the exterior of said inner receptacle to the interior thereof and adapted for attachment to a dust filtering bag4 and an air hose, respectively, atits inner and outer ends, and means for releasably closing said conduit.

7. A combination washing machine and dust collector comprising outer and innner receptacles spaced at the bottom and sides,

the inner receptacle having `a cover with a peripheral rim adapted to seat upon the rim of' the outer receptacle when the machine is used for washing, means providing an open-Y ing to the atmosphere between` the cover rim and the rim of the outer receptacle when the machine is used for washing, removable means for closing the space between said receptacles at the bottom and for increasing the size of said opening to theatmosphere when lthe machine is used as a dust collector, a dia.- phragm in 'said 'inner receptacle subdividing the interior thereof into a washing and dustbag chamber portion and a fan chamber, a suction fan in said fan chamber and means for operating said fan, said diaphragm being formed with a hole opposite said fan, said 'fan discharging toward said opening to the atmosphere, means forming an air conduit from the exterior of said inner receptacle to the interior thereof and adapted for attachment to a dust filtering 'bag and an,l air hose,

ing to the atmosphere between the cover rim and the rim ofthe outer receptacle, removable means or closing thespace between said receptacles at the bottom when the machine is used as a dust collector, a diaphragm in said inner receptacle subdividing the interior thereof' into a washing and dust-bag chamber portion and a. fan chamber, a suction fan in said fan chamber and means for operating A said fan, said diaphragm being formed with ahole opposite said fan, said fan discharging toward said opening to the atmosphere, an

open-ended pipe section extended through" said cover exteriorly of the inner receptacle i and also through said diaphragm interiorly of said washing and dust-bag chamber, and a removable plug for said pipe section.

9. A combination washing machine and dust collector comprising outer and inner receptacles spaced at the bottom and sides, the inner receptacle having a cover with a peripheral rim adapted to seat upon the rim of the outer receptacle when the machine is used for washing, means providing an open.- ing to the atmosphere between the cover` rim and the rim of the outer receptacle, removable means or closing the space between said receptacles at the bottom when the machine is used as a dust collector, a diaphragm in said inner receptacle subdividing the interior thereof into a washing and dust-bag chamber portion and a fan chamber, a suction fan in said fan chamber and means for operating said fan, said diaphragm being formed with a hole opposite said fan, means in said fan -chamber forming a tortuous air channel from ripheral rim adapted to seat upon the rim of the outer receptacle when the machine is used for washing, said peripheral rim having a depending flange extended into the outer receptacle and spaced from the latter, said de-- pending flange being formed with spaced outwardly extended ribs positioned closely adjacent said outer rcceptaclebut not touching the latter, the seating means upon said peripheral rim comprising a plurality of spaced beads whereby a plurality of openings to the atmosphere are provided when the machine is used for washing, removable means forclosing the space between said receptacles at the bottom when the machine is used as a dust collector, a diaphragm in said inner receptacle subdividing lthe nterior thereof into a washing and dust-bag chamber and ad fan chamber portion, a suctlon fan in said vfan chamber and means for operating said fan, said diaphragm being formed with a hole opposite said fan, said fandis'charging toward Aoutlet to the atmosphere, said dust-bag chamber portion having an inlet from lthe exterior of said receptacle, the inner end of said inlet being adapted for attachment to a dust-bag and the outer end thereof being adapted for attachment to a flexible-tubing, and means adapted to effect an air tight seal between said open bottom of said receptacle and a closure element'therefor merely bythe weight of said dust collector.

12. A combination washing machine and dust collector comprising an outer receptacle having an open top aninner receptacle adapted to iit in said outer receptacle in spaced relation to the bottom and sides thereof and adapted to rest upon the upper portion of said outer receptacle, said inner receptacle having an open bottom, a top cover carrying a fan and driving means therefor, a diaphragm spaced from said cover, and a. fan chamber between said cover and said diaphragm,-said diaphra m having an opening forming an inlet to said fan chamber andsaid fan chamber having an outlet to the atmosphere; con- 'duit means from the outsidel ofsaid inner receptacle into the interior thereof below i said diaphragm; means adapted to close the space between said inner and outer receptacles; dust ltering means adapted to be associated-'with said conduit means; and means adapted to close said conduit means.

13. A. combination washing machine and dust collector comprising an outer receptacle having an open top, an inner receptaclehaving 'its lower end formed so as to permit ready passage of washing liquid and removably fitted in said outer receptacle in spaced relation to the sides thereof, said receptacles forming a cleaning chamber, removable means adapted to close the space between said receptacles, a suction casing carried by said inner receptacle, said casing having an outlet to the atmosphere, suction producing' means in said casing, an inlet to said casmg from said cleaning chamber, conduit means forming an air and dust passage from the atmosphere into said cleaning chamber, dust filtering means adapted to lit within said chamber and to beI connected to said conduit means, and means adapted to close said conduit means.

14. In a combination washing machine and ,dust collector, an outer receptacle having an open top and vbeing otherwise imperforate; an inner receptacle having an open bottom removably tting in said outer receptacle to form achamber therewith, an air outlet at its other end, an air and dust inlet, said inner receptacle being otherwise Closed, and suction'` producing means between said inlet and said outlet; means forming an air tight seal between said receptacles; and dust ltering means in said chamber and removably connected to said air and dust inlet.

l5. In a combination washing machine and dust collector, an outer receptacle having an open end; an inner receptacle adapted to fit in said outer receptacle and having a perforated diaphragm dividing said inner receptacle into a suction casing and a cleaning chamber portion, said cleaning chamber portion forming' a cleaning chamber with said outer receptacle, said suction casing having an outlet, and said cleaning chamber portion having an inlet; dust filtering means adapted to fitr within said cleaning chamber and to be connected to said inlet; and means adapted to form a gas tight seal between said outer and inner receptacles.

16. In combination, for a device const-ituting a combination washing machine and dust collector, a receptacle open at one end, means for closing the open end of said re- .ceptacle when the device is used as a dust collector, a diaphragm dividing said receptacle into a. fan casing and a cleaning chamber portion, conduit means adapted to forman air and dust' inlet into said cleaning chamber portion, and adapted for connection with means for removing dust from air when the device is used' as a dust collector, means adapted to close said conduit means, when the device is used for washing, an air inlet being provided to said fan casing from said cleaning chamber portion, a fan in saidl fan casing, an air outlet from said fan casing, and

iis l means for operating said fan having a driving I into the lower portion, said conduit means being adapted to be connected with dust iltering means when the device is to be used as a dust collector, means adapted to close said conduit means when the device is to be used for washing, suction producing means in said suction casing, said diaphragm having an opening forming an air inlet into said suction casing from said lower portion, a motor carried by said receptacle and having a driving connection with said suction producing means, and an outletfrom said suction casing to the atmosphere.

18. In combination with a washing machine comprising an outer receptacle having .l

an open top, an inner receptacle having its lower portion formed to permit the ready passage of cleaning fluid, said inner receptacle itting removably in said outer receptacle with its sides spaced therefrom and forming a cleaning chamber with said outer receptacle, a suction casing in the upper portion of said inner receptacle, suction producing means in said casing, an outlet from said casing, and an inlet to said suction casing from said cleaning chamber; means adapted to close the space between the sides of said inner and outer receptacles, conduit means forming a passage into said cleaning chamber, means adapted to "close said conduit means, and a dust filtering bag adapted to be secured in said cleaning chamber with said conduit means communicating with its interior.

19. In combination with a washing machine comprising an outer receptacle having an open top, an inner receptacle having its bottom formed to permit the ready passage of cleaning fluid, said inner receptacle fitting removably in said outer receptacle withitsfbottom spaced therefrom and forming a cleaning chamber with said outer receptacle, a suction casing in the upper portionof said inner receptacle, suction producing means in said casing, an outlet from said casing, and aninlet to said suction casing from said cleaning chamber; means adapted to close the space between the bottoms of said inner and outer u receptacles, conduit means forming a passage into said cleaning chamber, means adaptedl to close ysaid conduit means, and a dust lter ing means adapted to be secured to said con- 'suction casing; means adapted to close said passage, an inlet to said cleaning chamber, dust filtering means adapted to be connected to said inlet, and means adapted to close said inlet.

21. In combination'5 with a washing machine comprising a cleaning chamber, a suction casing communicating with said cleaning chamber, an outlet from said suction casing,

and means providing a passage from said outlet to said cleaning chamber, means adapted to close said passage, an inlet to said cleaning chamber and a dust filtering bag adapted to be` secured in said cleaning chamber with said inlet communicating with its interior.

22. In a combination washing machine and dust collector, an outer receptacle having an opening at one end; an inner receptacle having an open end fitting removably in said opening to form a cleaning chamber with said outer receptacle, a suction casing, .an outlet therefrom to the atmosphere, suction producing means in said casing, and an air inlet to said casing from said cleaning chamber; a conduit adapted to provide an air and dust inlet to said cleaning chamber; a dust filtering bag' adapted to tit in said cleaning chamber with its interior in communication with said conduit; and reniovable'means adapted to form an air tightzseal between the receptacles.

23. Means for converting a Washing machine into a dust collector, said washing machine including a cleaning chamber, an inlet thereto, an outlet therefrom, and a fan; said means comprising means adapted to close said inlet, a conduit adapted to provide an air anddust inlet to said cleaning chamber, and filtering means adapted to be placed between said conduit and said outlet.

24. Means for converting a. washing inachine into a dust collector, said washing machine including a-cleaning chamber, an inlet thereto, an outlet therefrom having an opening to the atmosphere, and a fan; said means comprising means adapted to closesaid inlet and to enlarge said opening to the' atmosphere, a conduit adapted to provide an air and dust inl'et to said cleaning chamber, and dust filtering means adapted to be placed between said conduit and'said outlet. nl

25. Means for converting chine into a dust collector, said washing maa washing machine including a cleaning chamber, suction producing means, and vpassages providingor firstmentioned means comprising means adapted to interrupt said fluid circulation, a

through said cleaning chamber; said irstmentioned means comprising means adapted to interrupt said iuid circulation, an air and dust' inlet adapted to have communication fluid clrculation through said chamber; sald with said cleaning chamber, and dust lilter-A ing means adapted to be attached to said air and dust inlet.

27. Means for converting a Washing machine into a dust collector, said Washing machine including a cleaning chamber and means for providing' fluid circulation through said cleaning chamber, and said second-mentioned means including a passage from said chamber communicating with a passage leading to said chamber; said firstmentioned means comprising means adapted to close one of said-passages and thereby to interrupt said fluid circulation, a conduit adapted to provide an air and dust inlet to said cleaning chamber, and dust filtering means adapted to be placed in said cleaning chamber. 28. Means for converting a Washing machine into a dust collector, said Washing machine including a cleaning chamber and means for l providing fluid circulation through said cleaning chamber, and said sec- `ond-mentioned means including a passage leading from said chamber and communicating with a passage leading to said chamber;

said Erst-mentioned means comprising means adapted to close one of said passagesA and thereby to interrupt said fluid circulatin, a conduit having one end communicating with said cleaning chamber and having its other end outside of said washing machine, and dust ltering means adapted to be placed in said cleaning'cham'ber.

Signed by me this 31st day of December,

PERCY E. BARKER. 

